Porn case may reveal reasoning behind special UFC contract provision | Ep. 247

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at the latest updates to the UFC antitrust cases and Nick Khan’s 17-page version of his opening statement from last week’s Senate hearing on the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. We also discuss the class action suit filed by porn industry talent that could reveal the reasoning behind a very special provision in the contracts of UFC fighters and boxers signed to Zuffa Boxing. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 247 Outline* Are there any updates to the UFC antitrust cases?* There is a big porn industry class action suit that was recently filed. What are the details and can a parallel be drawn between that case and what’s going on with the antitrust cases in combat sports?* The Senate website for the Commerce Committee posted a 17 page version of Nick Khan’s opening statement from last week. After you had a chance to go over it, what stood out to you?* Lou DiBella was recently on Ariel Helwani’s show and said the following: “It’s not just hobos that are signing with TKO...It’s not going to be very long before they’re gonna have a roster that compares favorably with every single other promoter.” Do you agree with him?* The Saudis have withdrawn from LIV Golf. We talked about the probability of them doing that over the last several weeks/months. With their big investment in the Paramount merger, what do you think the odds are of them pulling up stakes in boxing and combat sports completely?* The Saudis also cancelled their snooker contracts. What does this mean for Eddie Hearn and DAZN?* There was a Town Hall with Nick Khan recently. Was there anything he said that stood out to you in particular?* Mark Shapiro recently talked about TKO’s full embrace of AI technology. Do you think this helps or harms TKO’s businesses in the long run?* Zach Arnold posted a video of Harrison Whitman being introduced as the COO of Zuffa Boxing. Who is Harrison Whitman?* Once again, a UFC numbered event with a big headliner is experiencing terrible sales. When you look at that and combine it with the downturn in ticket sales they’ve been experiencing overall, how long do you think they’ll keep business as usual before a revamp or focus on building stars, if at all?* Recently, Ronda Rousey said she wanted to become MVP’s “Dana White” figure. We speculated on this a while back. Do you think she’s equipped to handle that role?*Instructions for court-appointed digital forensic analyst*